Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat, politician, philosopher, and writer who is best known for his political treatise 'The Prince'. Born in 1469 in Florence, Machiavelli served as a diplomat for the Republic of Florence and later held various government positions. His most famous work, 'The Prince', explores the nature of power, politics, and leadership. Although often associated with deception and immorality, Machiavelli's writings have had a lasting impact on political theory and are studied to this day.